Carl Behlmer

Hr. 6 US History II
3-6-2010
The History of Sitcoms
I.

Question 1
A. Who was involved in the start of sitcoms?
1. While no one person created sitcoms, shows did set rules for TV
a. Amos n Andy was one of first to make transition from
radio to television in 1943; was huge hit
b. Was defining moment for all television shows for decades
to come
2. Other influential shows included
a. Jackie Gleasons The Honeymooners set guidelines for
most shows by having the set be one room: the kitchen
b. I Love Lucy set the fad of having a sofa be the meeting
spot of characters
B. What was involved in its start? How did it switch to television?
1. After switch to television in 40s, producers had tough problems
a. Since sets couldnt be switched easily, many shows had to
use only one set as the shows defining place
b. Cameras were bulky and hard to move, so they used several
cameras at different angles to accurately film the shows
c. Using these guidelines became a trend and soon every
sitcom was viewed every week
C. When and where were sitcoms started?
1. The original format started on radio in 1926 in Chicago
a. Sam n Henry, the 15 minute broadcast on Chicago radio
b. Depicted two African Americans trying to live in the United
States; very popular, but extremely controversial
c. It was renamed Amos n Andy and is widely considered the
first sitcom of all time. Took almost 20 more years for sitcoms
to switch to television broadcast.